If we don’t take care of this beautiful world, we could ruin it. Also, that we’re living in the Matrix, and the Earth has already been destroyed by pollution.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.

I try to write in the voice a story demands.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.

Liberal, sparse, diverse, dedicated and passionate.

6. What book character would you be, and why?

This is a tough one, but I’ve always related to Hermione Granger, from Harry Potter, and I’d love to be as brave as she is. Like Hermione, I’ve always tried hard with school (and then uni) assignments, gotten on well with guys, and wanted to stand up for the exploited. (Go Hermione for defending house elf rights!)

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?

1985. Like Marty McFly, I could meet my parents as teenagers! Actually, that might be kinda weird.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?

Do you still like Pokemon? (The answer is yes, by the way.)

9. Who is your greatest influence?

My family.

10. What/who made you start writing?

Mum read to me a lot growing up, and I learnt to love stories.

11. What is your favourite word and why?

Illuminate.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Oh no, only one?! Maybe Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I never want to give that one up.

Emily Larkin is an Australian author, based on the Sunshine Coast. Her picture book, The Whirlpool, is illustrated by Helene Magisson, and published by Wombat Books. Emily is undertaking a doctorate in creative writing, and has published fiction in literary journals. Follow Emily at www.facebook.com/ehlarkinauthor/.